By Stefan Coerts

The 2010 European champions are desperate to secure a top-three finish, while the defender feels they have sufficient alternatives for the injured Diego Milito

Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia has underlined the importance of qualifying for next year's Champions League, as the Nerazzurri battle for third place in the Serie A table.

The Giuseppe Meazza side currently sit fifth in the standings, trailing third-placed Lazio by three points, and are desperate to return to European club football's elite competition after a one-year absence.

"The battle for the Champions League places is pretty intense and it makes it very intriguing," Ranocchia told reporters.

"It's a hard-fought Serie A this year. We'll keep fighting till the end because we must get into the Champions League spots."

Ranocchia also had his say on Diego Milito's injury and stated that Inter have enough alternatives for the injured Argentine.

"We're obviously sorry because Milito is not just a great player but he's a great guy as well, and he's always made his presence felt in the dressing room.

"But we have a number of players who will step in now and try to replace him as best they can."

Inter are currently preparing for Sunday's Serie A match away against Catania.